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Future of six Gedling borough bus services now secure following £9m cash boost

A council is to invest £9m on bus services which they say will secure the future of six services in Gedling borough which may otherwise have been reduced or withdrawn. 

Nottinghamshire County Council confirmed today (18) that funds from the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), will continue to fund Nottingham City Transport’s 61 Calverton to Nottingham, via Woodborough, service.

The 61 service replaced the sky blue 46 and 47 services in September 2024 and has extended the previous routes to Calverton.

Other bus services in Gedling that benefit from county council funding include the 773/774/775 Netherfield to Burton Joyce via Carlton and Gedling, now serving the new Rivendell estate; nthe 747 Oxton to Lowdham via Calverton and Trent Barton ‘The Calverton’ service.

Nottinghamshire County Council said these routes receive either full or joint funding and the money would secure their frequency and adjusting routes to better serve local communities.

Councillor Sam Smith, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, who also represents Trent Valley on Gedling Borough Council, said: “Nottinghamshire is ranked as the best county area for buses in the country based on current Transport Focus data.

“It is no surprise really that our buses are ranked as the best county area as your county council is committed to making sure that every community has a reliable bus service. 

“In Gedling, we are really proud of our funding for local bus services, and it is important to remember that to do this, we work closely with local bus operators. 

How has Esports changed the landscape of sports marketing?

With the entry of esports in the gaming arena, the concept of sports marketing methods have dramatically changed. Through gaming platforms, sponsorships, and digital events, brands successfully target tech-savvy younger audiences.

I. Digital Sponsorships Are on the Rise

Innovative Branding Opportunities

Traditional sports use billboards on jerseys and banners in stadiums. Esports also establishes sponsorships as part of the streams, game items, and players’ content. This gives brands unique visibility.

Increased Fan Engagement

Sponsored content engages the fan through live chats, promotions, and in-game items in the gaming world. This direct engagement has exercised a hopeful influence on stepping up brand affinity and dedication among customers.

II. The Burgeoning Influence of Social Media and Streaming

Twitch, YouTube, etc.

The platforms Twitch and YouTube form the basis for Esports success. The utilization of these platforms is growing remarkably between gaming companies to advertise their products while backing events and conducting real-time audience interactions.

Importance of Influencer Marketing in Gaming

The esports professional athlete community consists of players who operate as social media influencers. Companies collaborate with influencers to reach their target followers, which contributes to maximizing product visibility.

III. Expansion of Global Reach

Breaking Geographic Barriers

The competitive esports tournament activities attract a host of viewers worldwide. The fanbase for esports tournaments extends universally beyond the traditional boundaries of local audiences since followers observe from global locations.

Utilization of crucial Marketing Strategies

It has become a trite and commonplace for most gaming companies to utilize various crucial marketing strategies to reach various market segments through their adaptable targeting methods. The effectiveness of employing such strategies is found very hopeful.

IV. The Power of Microtransactions in Marketing

Branded In-Game Purchases

Players can acquire skins and characters as well as accessories through microtransactions in numerous esports games. Video game developers partner with brands to develop branded virtual items that boost gameplay exposure and player interactions.

Limited-Time Offers for Brand Promotions

Game developers release special in-game content during limited release periods to heighten consumer urgency and boost brand awareness alongside sales growth.

V. The Future of Esports Marketing

Growth of AI and Data Analytics

AI enables brands to study player activities, which results in tailored marketing approaches for each sector. Such analysis produces marketing campaigns that deliver better results.

Expansion into Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

The development of technology will enrich both VR and AR to deliver more enriched esports experiences. Through advanced technological development, marketers will now have more intense possibilities to promote their advertisements.

VI. Integration of Gaming and Earning Platforms  

A New Market for Marketers

Gaming systems that enable users to obtain compensation through gameplay have started to rise in popularity. Marketers now have access to a forward-thinking market opportunity through which they can reach newly defined audience segments.

The Role of Esports Apps

Present-day applications provide users with esports-related gaming plus earning capabilities. Platforms such as www.jalwagamee.win provide users with an entertainment experience accompanied by payment options to create an appealing destination for players and marketing partners.

VII. Traditional Sports Teams Investing in Esports

Crossover Between Sports and Gaming

Professional sports franchises in football, basketball, and baseball have started acquiring esports teams. Modern sports organizations use these crossovers to appeal to younger audiences, which aids their brand visibility improvement.

Esports as a Revenue Stream

Sports organizations treat esports as an appealing commercial domain since sponsorships combined with merchandise sales and tournament revenues drive substantial profits to their business models.

Esports marks a new era for sports marketing because it inspires businesses to use digital connections and establish relationships with influencers to reach worldwide fans. Companies will need to adapt their strategies because technology keeps advancing in this rapidly expanding sector.

Netherfield gets funding boost for town improvements including new mosaic mural, railings and bins

Funds have been secured to make improvements to Netherfield town centre with a new mosaic mural, railings, trees and benches being put in place.

The new mosaic is being unveiled today (18) at Jackie Bells Field and is being installed today to help welcome visitors to the area.

Netherfield will also receive other improvements including new tree planting, new railings and bins, the local initiative aims to encourage more visitors to the park and local shops.

The mosaic has been designed by artist, Anna Dixon, who has worked with local residents to create a mural that reflects the key themes, memories and locations they associate with the area, which has a rich railway heritage. Once a thriving railway town, Netherfield was home to the largest freight concentration yard in Europe, built by the Great Northern Railway in 1875. The yard was used to gather coal traffic from the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire coalfields and dispatch it to London.

The mural design is based on the history and the community of Netherfield, and Anna held workshops at Netherfield Primary School to teach school children how to make the mosaic. The artist also led making sessions with local youth groups and several adult workshops were held at St. Georges Centre and the Loco Centre in Netherfield for residents from Gedling borough to get involved in making the colourful mosaic.

Netherfield Ward Councillor Alison Hunt has been closely involved with the project since the start, to engage the local community and is also supporting the Friends of Jackie Bell’s Field working group.

The mosaic mural and town improvements have been funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF).

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “This is a great addition to Netherfield and it has brought the community together to create a piece of art that reflects the rich history of this town.

“We are pleased to see the mosaic installed at Jackie Bells, it adds some wonderful colour to the park. Other parts of the town will also see some improvements, thanks to the funding provided by Government.

We want to celebrate the local heritage and get people back onto our high streets.”

Gedling borough weather Tuesday, March 18: Mostly dry and sunny and turning warmer

After a bright, cold and crisp start to the day in Gedling borough, there will be plenty of sunshine throughout the day.

It will feel cold with a brisk wind.

Maximum temperature 10 °C.

Tonight:

Clear skies overnight, with temperatures dropping to give a widespread, sharp frost. Winds fresh to start but easing towards dawn. Minimum temperature 0 °C.

Wednesday:

Dry with lengthy sunny spells and gentle winds. Some clear spells overnight with light winds and areas of frost. Maximum temperature 13 °C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

Largely dry and sunny on Thursday and Friday, but a chance of low cloud. Turning unsettled on Saturday, cloudy with spells of rain, heavy at times.

Nottingham City Council combining with Gedling, Broxtowe or Rushcliffe is ‘preferred option’ for new authority, says leader

Nottingham City Council leader Cllr Neghat Khan has voiced support for creating a new authority which would see Gedling, Broxtowe or Rushcliffe join Nottingham.

Following discussions at a Full Council meeting yesterday, Khan revealed the city would favour a ‘Nottingham + 2 model’ – based on data so far – and recommitted to working collaboratively with the eight other councils during the process.

Cllr Khan said: “Nottingham is a significantly under-bounded local authority, covering a population of 328,000 at the centre of a built-up area of well over 750,000 (and a wider county population of 1.17 million).

“We are responsible for delivering the services expected in a Core City, but many of the people who work in the city, and use Council services currently live in the suburbs, meaning they can’t vote in city elections, and pay council tax elsewhere. We need to address that imbalance.

“And that doesn’t mean suddenly increasing council tax in new areas, like some politicians are suggesting.”

Cllr Khan acknowledged the recent challenges faced by the city but condemned scaremongering by political groups.

“Nottingham has been on a journey over the last year, but we’ve made huge strides in getting our house in order – and that has been recognised by our Commissioners, and by Government.

In February, the Government wrote to local authorities formally inviting them to submit proposals to create new structures of unitary authorities – which is a single tier of local government responsible for all local services in an area. The aim is to create more efficient and effective local government, potentially leading to streamlined services and cost savings for residents.

In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, the nine existing local authorities would be abolished, to create new unitary councils with a higher population of residents.

All nine councils are holding Full Council meetings this week, between 17 and 20 March to discuss an interim submission to Government (due on March 21)

“While this process has been understandably emotive, Nottingham has remained silent on preferred options, as our approach has been to take an objective view of the data, with a genuine interest in what is best for the people, and the delivery of services.

“Backed by interim findings from PwC, at this point we believe that the most sustainable model would be two new unitaries; likely meaning a new authority that combines Nottingham City Council with any two of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe.

“Subject to Government feedback, we are also open to other city + 2 models, that have not yet been fully explored.

“I remain committed to working with my Leader counterparts, especially during the next phase, which will require a more detailed analysis of individual options, to ensure that LGR delivers the best outcomes for local communities.”

What are the current three options for new councils?

  1. A new unitary authority combining Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Gedling, with a second new unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire.
  2. A new unitary authority combining Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Rushcliffe, with a second new unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire.
  3. Nottingham city remains a unitary authority, with a new single unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire.

The Government has given all councils a deadline of March 21 to submit interim plans, with a November 28 deadline to submit final, much more detailed, proposals.

Sherwood Forest MP Michelle Welsh elected chair of new cross-party maternity group in Parliament

Sherwood Forest MP Michelle Welsh has been elected Chair of a newly formed All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Maternity, following their first meeting in Westminster this month.

The APPG will bring together MPs and Peers from across all parties to focus on improving maternity care, addressing inequalities, and championing the rights and safety of mothers and babies across the UK.

Speaking after her election, Michelle Welsh said: “I am truly humbled to have been elected Chair of the Maternity APPG. This is an issue extremely close to my heart, and I’m deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues in Parliament who share the same determination to improve outcomes for families.

“While many constituents have experienced excellent maternity care, we all sadly know of those who have faced tragedy – families who have lost babies, or mothers left traumatised by avoidable harm. These stories must not be ignored, and they are a powerful reminder of why this work matters.”

The new APPG aims to ensure that maternity safety is prioritised within the government’s 10-Year Health Plan and will advocate for evidence-based policies that support maternal choice and safe births.

The MP added: At a time when we are seeing renewed conversations around restricting birth choices, it’s more important than ever to stand up for safe, informed, and individualised care. We have a unique opportunity to put Safe Birth at the heart of future health policy, and I urge colleagues and campaigners to stay involved.”

The group will host regular meetings, events and discussions, drawing on the experiences of families, healthcare professionals and campaigners to push for real change in maternity services across the country.

For more information or to get involved with the APPG’s work, constituents can contact Michelle Welsh MP’s office at michelle.welsh.mp@parliament.uk or on 0115 646 6219.

‘Vile’ racist graffiti was spray painted in Netherfield – so residents replaced it with a more positive message

A group of neighbours have joined forces to obliterate racist graffiti daubed on a building in Netherfield.

A swastika was discovered spray painted on a building on Victoria Road; it’s believed to be the second incident of similar graffiti appearing in the town.

Members of the community angered by the act have decided to cover up the graffiti with a more positive message.

The swastika has now been painted over with the word ‘hug’ now written underneath

Many residents took to social media to praise the move.

Graffiti featuring a swastika had appeared in teh town but this has now been painted over and replaced with a more positive message (PHOTO: Joanne Pickering)

Netherfield councillor Alison Hunt posted: “Well done Netherfield. No place here for such vile symbolism.”

Faith Webster said: “I reported them a few days ago but assumed that’s not council covering. Glad someone has though!

ARNOLD: Drone footage shows town lit up at night

Drone camera footage has been shared of Arnold town centre lit up at night from above.

The Matt DK account has been flying over Front Street, capturing the town from a bird’s eye view.  

Areas of the town that are captured on video include an illuminated Asda, Eagle’s Corner pub and the Robin Hood and Little John pub.

Arnold’s Front Street lit up at night and captured from the air by drone (IMAGE Matt DK Facebook)

Asda on Front Street is lit up at night(IMAGE Matt DK Facebook)

The popular Robin Hood and Little John pub (IMAGE Matt DK Facebook)

The licensed drone pilot said he creates ‘amateur drone photography for fun’.

People can view more footage on the Matt DK Facebook page HERE

Commenting on his latest video, the content creator wrote: “Night mission down Arnold Front Street and I spotted the pavement orientation at the circular sitting place outside the Methodist church. You walk over this 100s of times and never appreciate it until you see it from the air.”

Latest planning applications put before Gedling Borough Council

These are the latest applications to have been submitted to and validated by Gedling Borough Council this week.

This is a round-up of the latest plans that the council’s planning officers have validated.

These applications will now be decided by Gedling borough planners.

More details can be found on the Gedling Borough Council planning site HERE by using the reference codes published below.

Installation of branch signage at Harlow Timber Centre
Unit 6 Cyan Close Stoke Bardolph Nottinghamshire NG14 5JX
Ref. No: 2025/0143

Remove two limbs of tree branch that overhangs car parking space
3 Burrows Way Redhill Nottinghamshire NG5 8RW
Ref. No: 2025/0140TPO

Non-material amendment to permission 2024/0101 (minor re-siting and narrowing of units by one brick to allow for the exiting turning head to be maintained and services underneath it)
Land South Sycamores Moor Road Bestwood Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2025/0138NMA

Single storey flat roof extension to rear elevation, adjoining a previous extension, with a combined rear projection of up to 6m, the maximum width of the proposed extension is 5.7m
29B Furlong Street Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 7AE
Ref. No: 2025/0142

Single storey flat roof extension to rear elevation projecting 6m to the rear, 3m in width
24 Bourne Street Netherfield Nottinghamshire NG4 2FH
Ref. No: 2025/0141

Change of use from social club to 9 person HMO (Sui Generis use) with minor external alterations for new windows
3 And 5 West Street Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 7DB
Ref. No: 2025/0137

Dropped kerb along the front of the house to provide off road parking.
37 Mansfield Lane Calverton Nottinghamshire NG14 6NP
Ref. No: 2025/0136

Approval of details reserved by condition 19 (validation report) of planning permission 2019/0374 (plots 25-38, 56, 59, 61- 63, 72-75, 78, 79, 93-108, 110-112, 118-158 and 160-190 (2019-2021) Letter by GRM dated 16th January 2025. Rivendell Phase 1, Stoke Bardolph – Capping Validation Report Plots 53, 114, 153
Land Off Teal Close Netherfield Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2025/0134DOC

Approval of details reserved by condition 19 (verification report) of planning permission 2019/0374 (GeoEnginSeer Ltd 1539 Persimmon Homes Gedling Verification Report Plots 495-497 516)
Land Off Teal Close Netherfield Nottinghamshire
Ref. No: 2025/0135DOC

Non-material amendment to permission 2024/0546 (change position of door and windows to front elevation; two additional windows to the side elevation and internal changes to form study and lobby)
3 Main Street Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6EA
Ref. No: 2025/0130NMA

Proposed Car Wash in the existing site of ‘The Golden Phoenix’ (in part parking).
Golden Phoenix Oxclose Lane Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 6FZ
Ref. No: 2025/0131

T1 – Oak – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T2 – Sycamore – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T3 – Sweet chestnut – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T4 – Sweet chestnut – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T5 – Sweet chestnut – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T6 – Sweet chestnut – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T7 – Sweet chestnut – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T8 – Sweet chestnut – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T9 – Sweet chestnut – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T10 – Sweet chestnut – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T11 – Sweet chestnut – fell & remove, T12 – Oak – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T13 – Oak – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T14 – Oak – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T15 – Oak – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T16 – Sycamore – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T17 – Sycamore – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T18 – Sycamore – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T19 – Oak – Monolith to 8m, T20 – Sweet chestnut – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood, T21 – Sweet chestnut – Remove overhanging branches & deadwood.
Ramsdale Park Golf Centre, The Flat Oxton Road Calverton Nottinghamshire NG14 6NU
Ref. No: 2025/0126TPO

Side extension of existing warehouse to house offices, canteen, meeting room, flexible office/meeting/demonstration area and new protected stair.
Calverton Business Park Hoyle Road Calverton Nottinghamshire NG14 6QL
Ref. No: 2025/0101

Single storey rear extension
41 Brickenell Road Calverton Nottinghamshire NG14 6PL
Ref. No: 2025/0047

‘Lean-to’ for log and tractor store – agricultural/forestry use only
155 Main Road Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 9GS
Ref. No: 2025/0050

Variation of condition 5 of permission 7/2022/002/NCC (Southern Extension area) for an extension of time associated with the timeline for restoration of Infill Phase 3.
Dorket Head Quarry Calverton Road Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 8FF
Ref. No: 2025/0154NCC

Non-material amendment to permission 2024/0504 (change from stone finish to render)
16A Kighill Lane Ravenshead Nottinghamshire NG15 9HN
Ref. No: 2024/0732NMA

Variation of Conditions 2 (approved plans) and 7 (levels) of application ref code 2022/1211 to allow for relocation of the proposed barn
Land Off Bank Hill Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6EF
Ref. No: 2024/0578

HMO plan for part of Arnold social club building submitted to Gedling Borough Council

Plans to convert part of an Arnold social club building into a into a nine-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) have been submitted to Gedling Borough Council.

The building, which is currently not in use, is part of the Arnold And District Liberal Club on West Street.

The plans handed to the council show that four en-suite bedrooms would be created on the ground floor of the building. Three en-suite bedrooms would be located on the first floor and two more, again with en-suites, would be created on the second floor.

A request was Change of use from social club to 9 person HMO (Sui Generis use) with minor external alterations for new windows|3 And 5 West Street Arnold Nottinghamshire NG5 7DB

The proposal is to convert the stand alone building into a 9 bed HMO. 

The Highways Authority has raised concerns around parking.

In a document on the council’s planning portal, they said: “There is no off-street car parking associated with the site, which would normally generate one car space per room.

“The Highways Authority must stress that residents to the proposal site may cause inconvenience to the existing residents and their visitors who also have a current demand for parking in the area.”